ABSTRACT:
A common endocrine condition called hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, which can cause cognitive impairment, fatigue, weight gain, and metabolic problems. Despite being successful for many, standard levothyroxine treatment has long-term limitations and does not completely alleviate symptoms in a sizable portion of patients. As a result, complementary and alternative therapies—especially herbal medicine—are becoming more popular for the supportive treatment of thyroid dysfunction. The therapeutic potential of ten medicinal herbs with documented effects on thyroid function and associated pathways is examined in this review. Withania somnifera, Nigella sativa, Commiphora mukul, Bacopa monnieri, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Moringa oleifera, Fucus vesiculosus, Curcuma longa (curcumin), Ficus carica, and Coleus forskohlii are among the herbs that were chosen. These plants exhibit a variety of effects, including improved metabolic and inflammatory parameters, immunomodulation (especially important in autoimmune thyroiditis), antioxidant activity, and stimulation of thyroid hormone production. Notably, Withania somnifera and Commiphora mukul have shown thyroid-stimulating effects in both animal and human studies, while Nigella sativa and Curcumin exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit autoimmune thyroid conditions. A natural iodine source called Fucus vesiculosus needs to be used with caution, particularly in cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There are still issues with standardization, dosage, safety profiling, and herb-drug interactions despite encouraging preclinical and sparse clinical data. To confirm the benefits of these herbs for thyroid health, more thorough human studies are required. To sum up, these herbal remedies present encouraging supplementary choices for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Establishing evidence-based procedures for their secure and efficient incorporation into clinical practice should be the goal of future research.
Cite this article:
Adeeba Qureshi, Reshma Jain. Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Herbs in the Management of Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(4):404-2. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00058
Cite(Electronic):
Adeeba Qureshi, Reshma Jain. Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Herbs in the Management of Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(4):404-2. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00058 Available on: https://www.rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-18-4-14
REFERENCES:
1. Patil, N., Rehman, A et al, (2024, February 18). Hypothyroidism. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ NBK519536/
2. Taylor, P. N., Albrecht, D et al, Global epidemiology of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2018; 14(5): 301–316. https://doi.org/10.1038/ nrendo.2018.18
3. Gupta, N., and Jain, P. Therapeutic potential of polyherbal formulations in endocrine disorders. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2022; 14(2): 95–101.
4. Verma, A., and Gupta, S. Herbal approaches for thyroid dysfunction: A pharmacognostic review. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2018; 10(2): 120–126.
5. Yamada, M., and Mori, M. Mechanisms related to the pathophysiology and management of central hypothyroidism. Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2008; 4(12): 683–694. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet0991
6. Pirahanchi, Y., Tariq et al, (2023). Physiology, thyroid. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ books/NBK500006/
7. Jabbari, A., Besharat et al, Common signs and symptoms in hypothyroidism in central part of Iran. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2008; 24(1): 44.
8. Wilson, S. A., Stem, L et al, Hypothyroidism: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2021; 103(10): 605–613.
9. Singh, D., and Kaur, G. A review on medicinal plants used in thyroid disorders. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2019; 11(4): 276–282.
10. Chauhan, A., and Tiwari, P. Role of antioxidants from medicinal plants in thyroid dysfunction. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2020; 12(2): 140–145.
11. Yadav, R., and Mishra, A. Pharmacognostic evaluation of herbal drugs affecting thyroid hormones. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2018; 10(3): 201–206.
12. Sharma, P., and Singh, R. Evaluation of thyroid stimulating activity of Withania somnifera in experimental animals. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2021; 13(2): 85–90.
13. Sharma, A. K., Basu et al, Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 2018; 24(3): 243–248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183
14. Abdel-Wahhab, K. G et al, Role of ashwagandha methanolic extract in the regulation of thyroid profile in hypothyroidism modeled rats. Molecular Biology Reports. 2019; 46(4): 3637–3649. doi:10.1007/s11033-019-04721-x
15. Ibrahim, N., Diab et al, Ameliorating effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on hippocampus and growth plate changes associated with propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in juvenile rats. AL-Kindy College Medical Journal. 2023; 19(1): 30–41. doi:10.47723/kcmj.v19i1.920
16. Hosny, E. N., El-Gizawy et al, Neuroprotective effect of ashwagandha extract against the neurochemical changes induced in rat model of hypothyroidism. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2021; 18(1): 72–91. doi:10.1080/19390211.2020.1713959
17. Gannon, J. M., Forrest et al, Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014; 5(4): 241–245. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146566
18. Ibrahim, N., Diab, M., Hassan, A., Anwar, H., Ragab, W., Morsi, E., Sadek, N. Ameliorating effect of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on hippocampus and growth plate changes associated with propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in juvenile rats. AL-Kindy College Medical Journal. 2023; 19(1): 30–41. doi:10.47723/kcmj.v19i1.920
19. Jatwa, R., and Kar, A. Amelioration of metformin-induced hypothyroidism by Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea extracts in Type 2 diabetic mice. Phytotherapy Research: PTR. 2009; 23(8): 1140–1145. doi:10.1002/ptr.2765
20. Panda, S., and Kar, A. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1999; 67(2): 233–239. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(99)00018-5
21. Purohit, A., and Purohit, A. Eltroxin like mimic action of Withania somnifera leaf extract in hypothyroid-induced rats. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2018; 11(11): 280. doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i11.27424
22. Khan, M. A., and Ali, S. Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of Nigella sativa in endocrine disorders. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2019; 11(3): 198–203.
23. Pakdel, R et al, The Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Nigella sativa Seeds on Serum Estradiol and Prolactin Levels and obstetric Criteria due to Hypothyroidism in Rat. Advanced Biomedical Research. 2017; 6(1): 166. doi:10.4103/2277-9175.221860
24. Avci, G., Ulutas, E et al. The positive effect of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) essential oil on thyroid hormones in rats with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2022; 46(4): e13801. doi:10.1111/jfbc.13801
25. Beheshti, F., Hosseini, M et al. The effects of Nigella sativa extract on hypothyroidism-associated learning and memory impairment during neonatal and juvenile growth in rats. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2017; 20(1): 49–59. doi:10.1179/ 1476830514Y.0000000144
26. Farhangi, M. et al. The effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) - 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016; 16(1): 471. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2
27. Nasr El-Din, W. A. et al. Histopathological and biochemical alterations of the parotid gland induced by experimental hypothyroidism in adult male rats and the possible therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa oil. Tissue and Cell. 2020; 65(101366), 101366. doi:10.1016/j.tice.2020.101366
28. Tekieh, M. F et al. Effect of Nigella sativa on thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial. Medical Science. 2019; 23(98): 606–614.
29. Javidi, N., Mazloum K et al. Investigation the effect of a herbal composition based on blackseed on patients with primary hypothyroidism: A randomized controlled trial. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 2024; 14(3): 325–337. doi:10.22038/AJP.2024.23984
30. Asiaei, F., Fazel et al. Neuroprotective effects of Nigella sativa extract upon the hippocampus in PTU-induced hypothyroidism juvenile rats: A stereological study. Metabolic Brain Disease. 2017; 32(5): 1755–1765. doi:10.1007/s11011-017-0025-1
31. Patel, K., and Desai, N. Role of Commiphora mukul in management of hypothyroidism: A review. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2020; 12(4): 245–250.
32. Panda, S., and Kar, A. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) potentially ameliorates hypothyroidism in female mice. Phytotherapy Research: PTR. 2005; 19(1): 78–80. doi:10.1002/ptr.1602
33. Singh, A. K., Prasad, G. C., and Tripathi, S. N. Response of Commiphora mukul (Guggulu) on melatonin induced hypothyroidism. Ancient Science of Life. 1983; 3(2): 85‑90
34. Singh, A. K., Prasad, G. C., and Tripathi, S. N. In vitro studies on thyrogenic effect of Commiphora mukul (Guggulu). Ancient Science of Life. 1982; 2(1): 23–28. https://www.wisdomlib.org/ uploads/journals/ansci/v-2-1-1-58-jul-sep-1982/1387620.pdf
35. Tripathi, Y. B., Malhotra, O. P., and Tripathi, S. N. Thyroid Stimulating Action of Z-Guggulsterone Obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Medica. 1984; 50(1): 78–80. doi:10.1055/s-2007-969626
36. Sharma, H. R et al. Investigation of the thyromodulatory and antioxidant potential of bioactive fractions of Commiphora Mukul in PTU-induced experimental hypothyroidism. International Journal of Environmental Sciences. 2025: 1545–1556. doi:10.64252/xtwghe57
37. Kombe, P., and Kuchewar, V. Evaluation of effect of Kanchanar Guggul in Sub-clinical Hypothyroidism with respect to Agnimandya. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2020; 10(4): 310–316. doi:10.47552/ijam.v10i4.1297
38. Panda, S., and Kar, A. Gugulu (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine production: possible involvement of lipid peroxidation. Life Sciences. 1999; 65(12): PL137-41. doi:10.1016/ s0024-3205(99)00369-0
39. Joshi, H., and Sharma, V. Antioxidant and thyroid modulatory activity of Bacopa monnieri. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2022; 14(1): 33–38.
40. Vigneshwar, R., Arivuchelvan et al. Thyrogenic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on experimental hypothyroidism in rats. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2021; 10(1): 454‑458.
41. Kar, A., Panda, S., and Bharti, S. Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2002; 81(2): 281–285. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00048-x
42. El Mgeed, A. A., Bstawi, M., Mohamed, U., and Abdel Gabbar, M. Histopathological and biochemical effects of green tea and/or licorice aqueous extracts on thyroid functions in male albino rats intoxicated with dimethylnitrosamine. Nutrition and Metabolism. 2009; 6(2): https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-6-2
43. Nahar Taees, K., and Muneef Saab Ahmed. Study of the synergistic effect of methimazole and aqueous extract of licorice on the level of thyroid hormones in rats. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Forum. 2024; 34(3s): 1163–1165. Retrieved from https://www.obstetricsandgynaecologyforum.com/index.php/ogf/article/view/43
44. Li, N., Li et al. Haizao Yuhu decoctions including three species of glycyrrhiza protected against propylthiouracil-induced goiter with hypothyroidism in rats via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2022; 296(115443): 115443. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115443
45. Patil, S., and More, G. Pharmacological evaluation of Moringa oleifera in metabolic and endocrine disorders. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2021; 13(3): 210–215.
46. Tabassum, W., Kullu, A. R., and Sinha, M. P. Effects of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera on regulation of hypothyroidism and lipid profile. The Bioscan. 2013; 8(2): 665–669.
47. Alam, M. A., Quamri, M. A., and Haider, N. Efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in primary hypothyroidism. Drug Metabolism and Personalized Therapy. 2021; 37(1): 21–26. doi:10.1515/dmpt-2021-0136
48. Al‑Hadidy, A. A. A., and Dawood, S. T. The effect of Moringa oleifera leaves powder on some hormones to prevent the development of experimental hypothyroidism in rabbits. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. 2021; 15(3): 1040‑1047. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i3.15454
49. Mondal, C., and Chandra, A. K. Goitrogenic/antithyroidal potential of moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) of Indian origin on thyroid status in male albino rats. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019; 55. doi:10.1590/s2175-97902019000218005
50. Mohamed, D. A et al. Impact of safflower petals and Moringa leaves extracts in experimental hyper and hypothyroidism in rats. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2019; 15(2): 219–228. doi:10.3923/ijp.2019.219.228
51. Negm, S. H. Effect of soybean, virgin coconut and Moringa oleifera seed oils on the propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in rats. Alexandria Science Exchange Journal An International Quarterly Journal of Science Agricultural Environments. 2019; 40(6): 649–659. doi:10.21608/ asejaiqjsae.2019.66050
52. Tahiliani, P., and Kar, A. Role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in the regulation of thyroid hormone status in adult male and female rats. Pharmacological Research: The Official Journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society. 2000; 41(3): 319–323.doi:10.1006/phrs.1999.0587
53. Shokri, Z., Khoshbin et al. Thyroid diseases: Pathophysiology and new hopes in treatment with medicinal plants and natural antioxidants.
54. Hameed, S. I., Al-Shahwany, A. W., and Salih, S. J. Evaluation of the activity of some plants extracts on thyroid gland regulation in female albino rats. Iraqi Journal of Science. 2020; 254–265. doi:10.24996/ijs.2020.61.2.3
55. Hameed, S. I., Alwakeel, R. H., and Al‑Shahwany, A. W. Comparative study between a combination of plant extracts and drugs on thyroid hormones and lipid profile in experimental animals. International Journal of Special Education. 2022; 37(3).
56. Ashraf, H., Heydari et al, Efficacy of ginger supplementation in relieving persistent hypothyroid symptoms in patients with controlled primary hypothyroidism: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2022; eCAM, 2022, 5456855. doi:10.1155/2022/5456855
57. Al-Sharafi, N. M. N., and Al-Sharafi, M. R. A. Study the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract on serum lipid in hypothyroidism male rats induce by propylthiouracil. Kufa Journal for Veterinary Medical Sciences. 2014; 5(2): 258–266. doi:10.36326/ kjvs/2014/v5i24185
58. Dizay, K., Agha, N., Ministry of Health, Erbil-Iraq, Omar, B., and Hawler Medical University / College of Medicine-pharmacology department-kurdistan region-Iraq. The impact of Zingiber officinale decoction on thyroid functions in hypothyroid-induced rats. 5th International Conference on Biomedical and Health Sciences. 2024; 414–418 doi:10.24086/biohs2024/paper.1400
59. Al-Noory, A. S., Amreen, A.-N., and Hymoor, S. Antihyperlipidemic effects of ginger extracts in alloxan-induced diabetes and propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in (rats). Pharmacognosy Research. 2013; 5(3): 157–161. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.112419
60. Moustafa, D., Abdelhameed, E., and Ahmed, H. Ameliorative effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on thyroid gland activity in rats. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal. 2017; 63(154): 41–49. doi:10.21608/avmj.2017.184265
61. Jena, S., Anand et al. Induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of superoxide dismutase expression in rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum by PTU-induced hypothyroidism and its reversal by curcumin. Neurological Sciences. 2012; 33(4): 869–873. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0853-4
62. Hameed, S. I., Al-Shahwany, A. W., and Salih, S. J. Evaluation of the activity of some plants extracts on thyroid gland regulation in female albino rats. Iraqi Journal of Science. 2020: 254–265. doi:10.24996/ijs.2020.61.2.3
63. Papież, M. A. Curcumin exerts protective effects on the thyroid gland in propylthiouracil-treated rats. Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica. 2023; 61(3): 143–152. doi:10.5603/fhc.96497
64. Aboul-Fotouh, G., Abou El-Nour, R., Farag, E., and Boughdady, W. Histological study on the possible protective effect of curcumin on potassium dichromate induced hypothyroidism in adult male albino rats. The Egyptian Journal of Histology. 2018; 41(2): 220–235. doi:10.21608/ejh.2018.13844
65. Elghazaly, M. M et al. Possible ameliorative effect of curcumin and levothyroxine on potassium dichromate‑induced hypothyroidism in male albino rats. Biological and Biomedical Journal. 2024;2(2): 212–223. doi:10.21608/bbj.2024.386844.1088
66. Dixit, A. K et al. Efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in the management of hypothyroidism: A comprehensive review. Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences. 2019; 3(4): 157–163. https://doi.org/10.5005/jras-10064-0090
67. Saxena, V., Dharamveer et al. Ficus carica leaf extract in regulation of thyroidism using ELISA technique. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2012; 5(2): 44–48.
68. eL Batanony, M., Aly, Het al. The anti-hypothyroidism regulating role of ficus carica L. leaves extract: In-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico studies. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 2024. doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.273155.9393
69. Sharhan, A. A., and Rasheed, K. H. Role of ficus carica Leaves Extract in Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Journal of University of Babylon. 2018; 26(10): 257–272. doi:10.29196/ jubpas.v26i10.1883
70. Kar, A., Mahar et al. Phytochemical profiling of polyphenols and thyroid stimulatory activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract in 6-propyl-thiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2023; 313(116479): 116479. doi:10.1016/ j.jep.2023.116479